Nearly 200 SEND Pupils Take Part as Partners Come Together for ‘Give it a Go’ Inclusive Sports Day
Give it a Go Sports Day, an inclusive activity day organised by Child Friendly Leeds, is once again offering young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) the chance to try a wide range of sports, groups and fun activities from across the city.
The event saw strong interest from across the city, with 16 secondary schools and SILCs booked on to attend. On the day, 198 pupils took part in a wide range of inclusive activities and sports, supported by 15 Leeds Trinity University students and delivery partners.
The event was created in direct response to feedback from students from specialist schools across Leeds working with Leeds Youth Voice. A few years ago, as part of the national SEND Partnership Board Takeover Challenge, young people told leaders they wanted more opportunities to try fun activities and sports before committing to them. While many young people can access activities through short breaks, they said having the chance to try activities first was vitally important.
Now in its third year, Give it a Go Sports Day continues to bring together local providers, schools and partners to deliver an inclusive, welcoming experience. This year’s event included support from organisations such as Leeds United, Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, PE Partner, Breeze, Active Leeds and hosted in partnership with Leeds Trinity University.
Young people took part in a wide range of activities, including:
- Accessible bikes with Active Leeds
- Breeze games and inflatables
- Cricket with Yorkshire Cricket Foundation
- Football with Leeds United Foundation
- Gymnastics with Leeds Trinity
- Table tennis, Badminton & Basketball with PE Partner
- Sensory activities & Introduction to Mini First Aid
Teachers, students and providers praised the event for creating a space where young people could explore new activities in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The event was planned and delivered over three months by students from Leeds Trinity University as part of a student placement, giving them hands-on experience in event planning, communication and project management. The students were supported by Sadiya Salim, Leeds Trinity alumna and Partnership Development Coordinator at Child Friendly Leeds, who guided them through delivering an inclusive, partnership-led event shaped by what young people said they wanted.
Every young person attending received a next steps booklet showing how and where they can access inclusive activities across the city, particularly through the sports partners involved. One student said:
“It’s been a wonderful experience. I’ve really gained confidence and a much better understanding of what a professional work environment is like.”
By listening directly to young people and responding to what they said mattered to them, Give it a Go continues to demonstrate what being a Child Friendly City looks like in practice – creating opportunities, removing barriers and ensuring all children and young people can access fun, active experiences.
Mr Thompson from Roundhay School said: “We’ve had a really good day. The students have had loads of fun trying different activities. The adapted bikes were definitely a favourite. They’ve tried some new things and lots are going home saying they want to try them again – even asking parents about getting a three wheel bike.”
“Our pupils absolutely loved it – especially the cones, football and bikes. It’s been brilliant,” said staff from Green Meadows.
"Multi-Sports was the best ever and I Pillow Wars was really nice, I want to do it again." - West SILC
“I enjoyed today, especially the cricket, because I’d only done table cricket before – it was really fun.”
“I had a good day. I tried basketball and gymnastics for the first time.”
“It was my first time on a three wheeler – it was very fun.”
“We support people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired. Quite a few people asked about British Sign Langauge today and learned a few signs. It was a really practical experience for students and a great opportunity to talk to schools.”
We're here today, at Leeds Trinity University with Child Friendly Leeds for the give it a go event. It's been brilliant. We have seen lots and lots of students. students that maybe wanted to just have a bit of a go at the physical stuff and then had had enough and wanted to do some of our sensor activities and we've had some really good interaction and engagement and it's been great.